Slow and intense

The movie starts slowly and never actually breaks into a run, but it is none the worse for that. This is a thoughtful and intense look at an "outsider".

You need to watch carefully as the movie jumps backwards and forwards in time but the performances are wonderful with Ewan McGregor redeeming himself after his awful Obi Wan performance in 'Star Wars'. Tilda Swinton is luminous shining through the drabness of her life. Beautifully shot but doesn't quite capture the grinding poverty of these people's lives.

A definite recommendation if you want something British, intelligent and thoughtful.